Philippians 4:4Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!” (WEB)

The interesting thing about the word 'always' is that it means always! The Apostle Paul reminds us in today's Scripture reading that we are to have a rejoicing mindset how often? ...all the time! In Ephesians 5:20, Paul restates this when he says ... giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father; (WEB)

I truly believe that the more that we can embrace a thankful life, the more that we see things to be thankful for. Unfortunately, I think this works in reverse as well. The more that we complain, the more there will be to complain about.

My prayer today is that we will fix our affections on things above and not on the things of this earth (Colossians 3:1-2). I pray that we would be able to think on things that are good and true and noble so that we might have heaven's perspective rather than the broken perspective that comes from a fallen humanity.

If you want to know how to live a joy-filled life, Paul shares the secret just 4 verses after today's reading in Philippians 4:8. May the joy of the Lord increase and abound in our lives as we choose to rejoice in the Lord always, no matter what challenges we are facing in life.

Philippians 4:8Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise,think about these things. (WEB)